MEMBERS of Woking’s planning committee praised plans to build ground floor hotel facilities and 129 flats on land next to the town’s largest hotel.

An application to erect an eight-storey building behind the Holiday Inn in Church Street East was unanimously approved by the committee on Tuesday.

The planning officer’s report stated: “The building would be constructed on the existing slab at the site, which contains the underground car park for the hotel. It would also over-sail the vehicle exit from the hotel on to Church Street East on the left-hand side of the front elevation.

“Secure cycle storage and refuse and recycling space would be located behind this core. A second core would be located in the flank adjacent to the car park.”

He said: “The application does pick up on some new local features. It is a new and creative design, more in keeping with the newer buildings. This is the best design that has come forward so far.

“There is no additional parking, which we think is appropriate, but the applicant will provide parking facilities in Victoria Way car park.

“There will be money for things such as a pedestrian tunnel and public art. This application is commended and I recommend it.”

Cllr Catherine Fisher said: “I would like to thank the officers and Mr Bishop for the amount of hard work they have put into this application, which is a key town centre site. It is an attractive and workable application.”

She mentioned that she has not always seen eye to eye with Surrey County Council’s highway team and did not this time as it recommended refusal on grounds of too much parking provision.

She added: “Most people will want access to a car so we should ignore the county council’s comment.”

Cllr Graham Cundy did raise some concern about the parking. He asked how long parking permits for residents of the 129 flats would last and was worried that the town could eventually end up with a large block of flats without any parking.

Mr Bishop said: “In relation to availability of a season tickets, the applicant will acquire them and they will always be made available to residents who need them. There is no time limit on the permits.

“At present, with the exception of Christmas, there is always enough spare spaces. It will not be an undue burden and no bays will be marked out, people will continue to park where spaces are available.”

The committee passed the application unanimously without the need for a vote.